Bruce Trail - Dawson Rd to intersection of Taylor Rd and Cole Side Rd

My back felt a little better so we aimed for a slightly longer hike today, about 6km. We dropped Nicola's car, drove to where we were going to start hiking and realized that the walking poles were in her car and we had to go back and get them. Start time now, about 11:30.

Across farmers fields and then up into woodlands. We continue to see flowers we haven't seen (or noticed) before. Nic's App said this was Jewelweed.

It was cool but a really nice temperature for hiking.

Just like last fall we saw lots of different mushrooms. The red ones that I had pictures of yesterday are called Witches Cap. I believe this monster is a Giant Puffball.

Nicola observed that these look like coral and when we looked them up this evening we found they are called Coral Mushrooms.

Out of the woods and we had a snack before

walking along the track between farm fields.

Stopping at a pond we saw ducks and a kingfisher but left hurriedly as this water snake headed our way.

This sign was tacked on a hydro pole at the end of the lane and it was a good thing we stopped and read it, as the trail had been rerouted. We had been going to walk the roads from 1. to 2. as that was the original route. We were very happy to find that we could now go along a new route through fields and past a wetland. Although it did add a kilometre to the hike.

The cattle had really churned up the path and also created their own paths so we had to keep a sharp look out for the white flashes designating the Bruce Trail.

They just stared at us as if to say "what are you doing here?"

It took me insisting that we had the right of way to make them amble off and then they left one small white calf sitting on the wrong side of the trail that we chased off to go and join the herd.

This Eastern Gartersnake also did not want to concede the path. He puffed up and reared his head at us before slithering off. A hate a snake with attitude!

As it is a new section, stiles and bridges are brand new and it is very well marked.

We took a side trail to get back to Nicola's car, drove to pick up mine and prayed we would make it back to Wiarton as my gas light was on. We did and the Highlander guzzled $70 worth of gas.

Quick shower and we headed into Owen Sound for early dinner at Mudtown Station again.